The Hon. Robert J. Elgee (Ret.) served as a judge for the 5th Judicial District Court of Idaho. Elgee was appointed to the bench by former Governor Dirk Kempthorne in 2004. He retired on May 31, 2017.
The 5th Judicial District encompasses Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls Counties. Elgee held assignments in Blaine County, where he played an instrumental role in the creation of the Blaine County Drug Court.
Prior to his appointment, Elgee was a magistrate for the Blaine County Magistrate Court, a position he held for twelve years.
Elgee earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho in 1973. He then completed a J.D. at the University of Idaho College of Law in 1976. Elgee financed his education by spending his summers working in sawmills.
After graduating from law school, Elgee began his legal career as a deputy prosecuting attorney with the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. He served in that capacity until 1978, at which time he entered into private practice.
His memberships have included the Board of the Hospice and Palliative Care of the Wood RiverValley.
Born in Coronado, California, to a father in the United States Navy, Elgee lived in Florida, Rhode Island, Italy, and Midway Island before his family settled in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He and his wife, Jayne, have five children. Jayne is a retired nurse, having worked at St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center. When not presiding over legal proceedings, Elgee enjoys fishing, hiking, and riding his bike.